BOBs in the 'Burbs

This episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs is like a perfectly mapped out 90-day growth strategy: it’s precise, it’s impactful, and it gives you immediate momentum! On this episode, Ashley sits down with Desiree Whitehead, the brilliant founder of Howl Marketing. Desiree takes us on her incredible journey from the heart-led spaces of the nonprofit sector straight to scaling tech startups to massive valuations. She’s giving up the deets on how leading with an "integrity cap" is the ultimate secret weapon for building true authority and long-term business success.Highlights of the Episode:In this episode:The Non-Profit Soul: How Desiree spent 10 years mastering the art of storytelling and high-impact work before diving into the corporate world.The Integrity Cap: Why hitting a values ceiling in corporate America—rather than a financial ceiling—inspired her to step into her own dopeness as a CEO.Watching Greatness in Motion: The jaw-dropping story of how she stepped in to build the brand identity and marketing framework for Brink Drones, scaling them from a 2-person concept to a $300 million valuation.The Growth Agency Stack: Desiree breaks down how underutilized tools like LinkedIn, heat-mapping via Hot Jar, and AI can help small businesses thrive.To keep the convo going, find Desiree on:Instagram: @HowlMarketingHQTikTok: @HowlMarketingHQLinkedIn: Howl MarketingYouTube: @HowlMarketingWebsite: Howl-Marketing.comFor those who love a hidden gem and great conversation, BOBs in the 'Burbs is a podcast that features leadership talks to help you find, fund, and amplify Black-owned businesses in suburban areas and beyond.Join your host, Ashley L. James, founder of ALJ Digital, as she sits down with thought leaders you'll love to support. From agency founders to boutique owners, the visionaries behind these businesses are creating success on their own terms. Tune in to get inspired, enjoy expert insights and join a community of people who know that buying Black is a power move.Stay in the loop with us: BOBs Online | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram

In this inspiring interview, Monique Overstreet shares her journey from aspiring school counselor to successful mental health practice owner in Lexington, North Carolina. She discusses building authentic client relationships, overcoming challenges as a Black entrepreneur, and leveraging community resources to grow her business.To keep the convo going, find Monique on:LinkedIn WebsitePsychology TodayChapters00:00 Building Bridges in Mental Health03:42 The Journey to Therapy06:00 Creating Meaningful Connections07:50 Navigating Business in a Small Community10:36 Leveraging Resources for Growth13:04 The Importance of Community and Networking14:53 Overcoming Stigmas in Therapy16:52 Trusting the Process19:03 Personal Growth and Reflection20:25 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs22:03 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations31:07 Outro

In this episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs, I'm chatting with Cliff from a digital marketing agency that started back in 2018 helping local businesses in El Paso, Texas. What began with Facebook marketing for carpet cleaners and dry cleaning stores has grown into a full-service operation offering WordPress website design and local SEO. Cliff gets real about the journey, the lessons learned, and why your digital presence matters more than you might think! 🎙️To keep the convo going, find Cliff on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/Cliff-Bladehttps://www.facebook.com/BladeMrktDesignhttps://www.instagram.com/BladeMrktDesignChapters0:00 Introduction to Digital Presence1:23 Podcast Introduction2:06 Cliff's Background and Business Journey5:01 Importance of Digital Branding7:04 Challenges in Business8:16 Social Media and Networking13:20 SEO and AI in Business16:22 Personal Interests and Relaxation18:01 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs19:03 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationDon't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!

In this conversation with Echell Eady of Eady Consulting Group, we got real about trusting your gut when you're in the building phase (even when that inner voice is trying to shut you down). We also explored:What substance use recovery support looks like in Middle TennesseeTrusting yourself in the face of doubtDoing your research and being authenticUnexpected challenges that some business owners faceThis one was exactly what my entrepreneurial soul needed to hear! 🎯 Let me know in the comments if you agree.Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!

Welcome back to BOBs in the 'Burbs! 🎙️In this episode, I sit down with Barron Russell from Boro Office Solutions in Murfreesboro, TN, and let me tell you, this conversation is packed with gems. Barron gets real about his entrepreneurial journey, sharing both the victories and challenges.Here's what we're talking about:• How Barron built his business from the ground up• Why social media marketing isn't optional anymore (even if you're not a fan)• The suburban vs. urban business scene (it's different out here!)• Finding mentors and building your network• Barron's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs• Plus, we get to know the person behind the businessWhether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, Barron shares insights that'll make you think differently about building a business.Drop a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway! Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!To keep the convo going, find Barron on:Facebook: Boro Office SolutionsInstagram: ⁠@Boro_Office_SolutionsWebsite: BoroOfficeSolutions.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Barron Russell and Boro Office Solutions03:34 Barron's Journey of Starting a Business06:17 Services Offered and Community Impact08:47 Challenges of Running a Brick-and-Mortar Business11:13 Team Dynamics and Community Initiatives13:35 Marketing Strategies and Social Media Presence16:03 Advice for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs18:53 Networking and Finding Mentors21:29 Differences Between Urban and Suburban Business23:24 Personal Interests25:37 Closing Remarks

This time the spotlight is on the inspiring Chantay Skrine, the powerhouse behind Sweetay's, a restaurant full of delicious creativity in the heart of Johnson City, New York. If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion into your paycheck, Chantay's story is the pep talk you didn't know you needed. She spills the beans on how she brought Sweetay's to life, stirred up a community of supporters, and seasoned it all with a sprinkle of digital savvy using Facebook and Canva to spread the word. - How Chantay's passion for food led her to open her culinary business. - How Sweetay's in Johnson City, New York gets major love from the community - Using Facebook and creating eye-catching content with Canva - Chantay's recommends for your next read and playlist addition Keep the convo going, find Sweetay’s on: Facebook: Sweetay's LLC Instagram: @SweetaysLLC Click Here for Full Show Notes

Oh the insights! 💎💎 In this episode, the spotlight is on the remarkable duo, Dr. Ramon and Renee Goings of Done Dissertation. They share their innovative approach to easing the dissertation journey for doctoral students, unpack the lessons learned on their entrepreneurial journey and stress the value of embracing imperfection. Along the way, we mix in some Aries love, a little Jeezy and celebrate the vibrant Black community in Laurel, Maryland. So, whether you're navigating your own dissertation journey, looking to elevate your digital presence, or simply enjoy a dose of inspiration sprinkled with practical wisdom, this episode has what you want! In this episode: - Operating in Laurel, Maryland - Challenges in Building Done Dissertation - Tools and Strategies for Building Connections - Prioritizing Actions that Lead to Revenue - What to Read, Watch or Listen To Keep the convo going, find Done Dissertation on: Facebook: @DoneDissCoach Instagram: @DoneDissCoach Twitter: @DoneDissCoach LinkedIn: Ramon Goings YouTube: @DoneDissertation YouTube Podcast: @GoingsOnTheRecord Website: TheDoneDissertation.com

There's a strong shot of social media wisdom, a sprinkle of humor, and a hearty serving of entrepreneurial spirit in this chit-chat! In this episode Jessica Haynes, the coffee queen of Local Joe West, spills the tea on running a cafe with her hubby, Jeff, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii! Get the 411 on all the best teas, staying inspired through entrepreneurship, a little Murder She Wrote and creating an Instagram-worthy coffee experience! In this episode: How Local Joe West connects with and uplifts their surrounding community. Using Canva to create posts that pop on Instagram and more. Staying balanced as a Black entrepreneur and being unapologetically you! What's work without play? We dive into fun tidbits about Jessica. Keep the convo going, find Local Joe West on: Instagram: @LocalJoeWest Facebook: Local Joe West Website: : LocalJoeWest.com

Meet the incredible Ayana Pettway, the powerhouse behind DIM Creations, serving up customized shirts, party favors, and more! She brilliantly channels the power of social media to showcase her thriving business while staying unapologetically relatable.Find Ayana on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourdimcreationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdimcreations/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dimcreationsFollow us to see more of this interview series as we shine a light on Black-owned businesses in suburban areas!

In this episode, we're tickling your sweet tooth! The spotlight is on Jana Farmer of Ms Jana's Candy, she’s got a winning recipe for both mouth-watering treats and entrepreneurial success! During the discussion we get into Jana's business journey, her social media approach, and her insightful attributes of a successful entrepreneur. Highlights include: The various offers Ms Jana's Candy has for businesses – from employee appreciation and thank-you gifts to custom-labels incorporating client logos. An interesting discussion about taking a unique approach to utilizing social media. Insightful advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, including the importance of loving what you do. To keep the convo going, find Ms Jana's Candy on: Facebook: Ms Janas Candy Instagram: @MsJanasCandy LinkedIn: Jana Farmer Website: https://msjanascandy.com Newsletter   Find the complete show notes and transcript: here.

This episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs is like that perfect twist-out on a sunny day – it just makes you feel good! We are excited to chat with the fabulous Monique Sutton of Simply Moe Slayed in our first interview because her story and passion speak volumes about who she is as a business owner. She’s giving up the deets on everything from her natural hair care business in Oswego, Illinois, to her love affair with social media.  In this episode: How Monique's passion for natural hair care is weaving its magic in the 'burbs, and how being one of few makes you frankly, a pretty big deal. Snip-snip! Monique tells us about CapCut - the magical genie that’s editing her videos while she sleeps. (Okay, not really, but it's the next best thing and it's free!) Advice from the entrepreneur’s entrepreneur: Monique drops the mic with her take on perpetual learning, writing things down, and why that 10% you don’t know could be the rocket fuel for your business. To keep the convo going, find Monique on: Facebook: Simply Moe Slayed Instagram: @SimplyMoeSlayed TikTok @SimplyMoeSlayed Snapchat: Simply Moe Slayed Find the complete show notes and transcript: here. The BOBs in the 'Burbs podcast shines a spotlight on thriving Black-owned businesses in suburban areas and the ways they use social media to make a lasting impact.Stay in the loop with us:BOBs OnlineYouTubeLinkedInInstagramFacebook